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PREMIUM Counselling Relationship

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Welcome to the PREMIUM Counselling Relationship Program training course! This course is based on the Counselling Relationship (CR) manual. The authors of the manual are Neerja Chowdhary, Hamid Dabholkar, Richard Velleman, Sona Dimidjian, Christopher Fairburn and Vikram Patel. The manual has been developed by the PREMIUM program to provide a basic foundation for counselling skills. It is essential to complete this course before trainees attempt to complete the training courses of the Healthy Activity Program or the Counselling for Alcohol Problems. This online course has been designed by Arpita Anand, Sona Dimidjian and Richard Velleman with additional contributions from Angela Leocata, Sydney Church, Luanna Fernandes, Ajay Kumar, Medha Upadhye and Dielle Dsouza.

The PREMIUM program was entirely funded by the Wellcome Trust, through a grant to Vikram Patel, and was implemented in Goa (India) by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Sangath and the Government of Goa's Directorate of Health Services. This online course been made possible through NextGenU.org and the Annenberg Physician Training Program in Addictive Disease.

The course provides a step-by-step guide on how to be a good counsellor, and is meant to prepare you for the Healthy Activity Program and Counselling for Alcohol Problems. There are 17 modules of online study which include text content, 30 lectures and five video demonstrations of role-plays. The online course is based on the original Counselling Relationship manual. All the course material, including the manual, is available online for download.

What you will learn in this course:

What counselling is and is not

The key qualities and skills required to build a good counselling relationship, and the styles of counselling

Preparations for a counselling session, and guidelines for sessions and home visits

Welcome to the forum where you can chat with other students and moderators about this course and the treatment. This is a place where you may deepen your understanding and networks by interacting with students globally, to pose and respond to ideas and questions on mental health, and to get occasional input and feedback from Sangath course moderators.

Module 1: Introduction To Counselling

Learning objectives:

What is counselling?

How counselling is different from a friendly chat

What is counselling:

Counselling involves helping and guiding patients in solving their problems through an interactive learning process. It helps patients to overcome difficulties, take control of their lives, and make the changes they want for themselves and their futures.

The kind of counselling you are learning about does not involve giving advice or telling patients what to do or not to do. This might be tempting, but patients are far more likely to change and maintain that change if they decide to make it and decide what the change is going to be. Counselling is about working with patients to develop a relationship that helps them to make the changes they want to make.

The relationship between counsellor and patient is:

Based on understanding a patient’s mental health problems from his or her point of view

Focused on supporting the patient to take whatever action is needed to solve this problem

Counselling does not include:

Telling patients what to do

Making decisions for patients

Judging patients as good or bad people

Preaching or lecturing to patients

Making promises that you cannot keep

Forcing your own beliefs on patients

How counselling is different from a friendly chat:

COUNSELLING

FRIENDLY CHAT

Expected to be confidential1

Not expected to be confidential

Focused, specific, goal targeted

Not focused on a specific goal

Helping patients find their own solutions

Advice-giving

Counsellor does not judge or take sides

Friends may be judgemental or take sides

1 Unless permission is obtained to share or under exceptional conditions such as a high suicide risk

The key to good counselling is not primarily one’s qualifications, but the skills and personal qualities used in building the counselling relationship.

Summary

The counsellor works with the patient to develop a relationship that helps them so they can feel responsible for the changes they will have to make

The counsellor’s task is not to tell patients what they should do

Counselling is different from a friendly chat or advice giving

The aim of counselling is to enable someone to take more control of their own life

Though there are personal qualities that are needed to become a good counsellor, most of the skills required can be learnt through training and supervision

Module 2: An Effective Counselling Relationship

Congratulations on completing Module 1 on an Introduction to Counselling! You now know what counselling is and how it is different from a friendly chat.

In this module, you will learn about an effective counselling relationship, the key skills to develop one and the different styles of counselling.

2: An Effective Counselling RelationshipCongratulations on completing Module 1 on an Introduction to Counselling! You now know what counselling is and how it is different from a friendly chat. In this module, you will learn about an effective counselling relationship, the key skills to develop one and the different styles of counselling.

2.1 An effective counselling relationship

For many patients, this is their first experience of counselling and they might be unclear about why they need to see the counsellor and what they are expected to do. The counsellor’s job is to develop trust and participation, and through that reduce any anxious thoughts or concerns.

Counsellors must show patients that they can be trusted, will take them seriously, will listen to and understand their problems, doubts, fears and hopes, and help them with their problems. This will make patients more likely to take part in the counselling process and get the most benefit from it. All the work should be done collaboratively, that is in a partnership with the patient.

effective counselling relationshipFor many patients, this is their first experience of counselling and they might be unclear about why they need to see the counsellor and what they are expected to do. The counsellors job is to develop trust and participation, and through that reduce any anxious thoughts or concerns. Counsellors must show patients that they can be trusted, will take them seriously, will listen to and understand their problems, doubts, fears and hopes, and help them with their problems. This will make patients more likely to take part in the counselling process and get the most benefit from it. All the work should be done collaboratively, that is in a partnership with the patient.

2.4 Empathy

Empathy is different from sympathy. Sympathy involves recognising the patient’s suffering and responding with pity, while empathy is actually sharing his or her suffering, if only briefly. It is often described as the ability to ‘put oneself into another’s shoes’.

Watch the role play video in the activities section below that shows empathy towards the patient

athyEmpathy is different from sympathy. Sympathy involves recognising the patients suffering and responding with pity, while empathy is actually sharing his or her suffering, if only briefly. It is often described as the ability to put oneself into anothers shoes. Watch the role play video in the activities section below that shows empathy towards the patient

Module 3: Genuineness In Counselling

Congratulations on completing Module 2 on An Effective Counselling Relationship! You now know what an effective relationship involves and some of the key skills to build one.

In this module, we will learn a few more skills to develop an effective counselling relationship. It involves understanding the role of genuineness in counselling and identifying the key skills for it.

3: Genuineness In CounsellingCongratulations on completing Module 2 on An Effective Counselling Relationship! You now know what an effective relationship involves and some of the key skills to build one. In this module, we will learn a few more skills to develop an effective counselling relationship. It involves understanding the role of genuineness in counselling and identifying the key skills for it.

3.1 The role of genuineness in counselling

A genuine person is one who is himself/herself and does not put on an act simply because one is a counsellor. But this does not mean that counsellors always show all their feelings. The aim is to only say things that might be helpful to the patient and to make certain that what we show or say is real and honest.

Module 4: Counselling Approaches

Congratulations on completing Module 3 on Genuineness! You now understand its role in an effective counselling relationship and how to identify its key skills.

In this module, you will learn how to identify and understand the various counselling approaches.

Watch the video lecture in the activities section below to understand the two different styles of counselling approaches.

SUMMARY

An effective counselling relationship includes:

Counsellor and patient working as a team

Goals, activities and possible solutions are planned together

The counsellor encourages the patient to actively take part in the treatment process

The patient feels valued and understood by the counsellor

The patient realises there are decisions he/she can make and is encouraged to take charge of his/her life

Warmth, empathy and genuineness are very important qualities for effective counselling

Other important skills include:

Demonstrating acceptance

Listening, and showing we are listening actively, and engaging with the patient

Reflecting the verbal and emotional content of what has been said

Allowing silences

Providing affirmations or endorsing the patient’s understanding of their problem

Summarising by expressing briefly and simply the difficulty the patient has described

Asking for feedback

Providing reassurance and hope

The two different styles of counselling are Active & Discussion-based

4: Counselling ApproachesCongratulations on completing Module 3 on Genuineness! You now understand its role in an effective counselling relationship and how to identify its key skills. In this module, you will learn how to identify and understand the various counselling approaches. Watch the video lecture in the activities section below to understand the two different styles of counselling approaches. SUMMARY An effective counselling relationship includes: Counsellor and patient working as a team Goals, activities and possible solutions are planned together The counsellor encourages the patient to actively take part in the treatment process The patient feels valued and understood by the counsellor The patient realises there are decisions he/she can make and is encouraged to take charge of his/her life Warmth, empathy and genuineness are very important qualities for effective counselling Other important skills include: Demonstrating acceptance Listening, and showing we are listening actively, and engaging with the patient Reflecting the verbal and emotional content of what has been said Allowing silences Providing affirmations or endorsing the patients understanding of their problem Summarising by expressing briefly and simply the difficulty the patient has described Asking for feedback Providing reassurance and hope The two different styles of counselling are Active &amp; Discussion-based

Module 5: Preparing For A Counselling Session

Congratulations on completing Module 4 on Counselling Approaches! You now know about active and discussion-based counselling approaches and how to identify them.

In this module you will learn how to prepare for a counselling session, how to greet the patient and introduce yourself.

5: Preparing For A Counselling SessionCongratulations on completing Module 4 on Counselling Approaches! You now know about active and discussion-based counselling approaches and how to identify them. In this module you will learn how to prepare for a counselling session, how to greet the patient and introduce yourself.

Module 6: Confidentiality

Congratulations on completing Module 5 on preparing for a counselling session! You now know how to prepare for a session, how to greet the patient and introduce yourself.

In this module you will learn how to talk about confidentiality, its importance and necessity.

Patients can be concerned that you will tell other people – such as family, friends, neighbours or employers – what has been discussed during counselling sessions. They need to be sure that the details will not be shared with anyone.

However, sometimes, patients will reveal information that is related to their own safety or that of other people, or breaking the law. For example, a school bus driver may have an alcohol problem and reveal that he is often drunk while on the job, or a patient might say that he/she is going to attempt suicide by having sleeping tablets hidden at home.

The basic rule in such situations is that issues like these must always be discussed within supervision. If it is urgent, speak to your supervisor on the phone. If the supervisor agrees that the situation must be shared with a family member (or significant other), it is ideal to get agreement from the patient first.

Note: A significant other (SO) can be any person in the patient’s life who plays an important role in his/her emotional health and is ready to participate in the treatment to help get over the patient’s problems.

When talking to patients about confidentiality, you must discuss the following:

Patients should always know that you work as part of a study team and the work is supervised. So you may need to discuss what the patient has told you with your supervisors.

There may be situations related to the safety of the patient or others. In such situations, we will discuss with the patient about speaking to other people concerned with the issue.

Counsellors may be required by law to tell information to a court.

6: ConfidentialityCongratulations on completing Module 5 on preparing for a counselling session! You now know how to prepare for a session, how to greet the patient and introduce yourself. In this module you will learn how to talk about confidentiality, its importance and necessity. Patients can be concerned that you will tell other people such as family, friends, neighbours or employers what has been discussed during counselling sessions. They need to be sure that the details will not be shared with anyone. However, sometimes, patients will reveal information that is related to their own safety or that of other people, or breaking the law. For example, a school bus driver may have an alcohol problem and reveal that he is often drunk while on the job, or a patient might say that he/she is going to attempt suicide by having sleeping tablets hidden at home. The basic rule in such situations is that issues like these must always be discussed within supervision. If it is urgent, speak to your supervisor on the phone. If the supervisor agrees that the situation must be shared with a family member (or significant other), it is ideal to get agreement from the patient first. Note: A significant other (SO) can be any person in the patients life who plays an important role in his/her emotional health and is ready to participate in the treatment to help get over the patients problems. When talking to patients about confidentiality, you must discuss the following: Patients should always know that you work as part of a study team and the work is supervised. So you may need to discuss what the patient has told you with your supervisors. There may be situations related to the safety of the patient or others. In such situations, we will discuss with the patient about speaking to other people concerned with the issue. Counsellors may be required by law to tell information to a court.

Module 7: Recording Sessions

Congratulations on completing Module 6 on Confidentiality! You now understand the importance and necessity of confidentiality in the counselling relationship.

In this module you will learn the need for recording the counselling sessions and how it can help.

Tape recording sessions

Using a digital recorder during sessions is important for supervision and to reflect upon to improve counselling skills. While the patient’s consent or permission for this is taken by the health assistant, it is important to ask whether you can switch the recorder on before every session. If the patient is not comfortable even though they are told they cannot be identified on the tape, or is still uneasy, do not force him/her, and turn off the recorder.

Make sure recordings are of good quality by keeping the recorder mid-way between you and the patient; holding the session in a quiet place; shutting doors and windows; asking other people nearby to speak softly; and pausing the recording until a disturbance – such as someone entering the room or a telephone ringing – has passed.

7: Recording SessionsCongratulations on completing Module 6 on Confidentiality! You now understand the importance and necessity of confidentiality in the counselling relationship. In this module you will learn the need for recording the counselling sessions and how it can help. Tape recording sessions Using a digital recorder during sessions is important for supervision and to reflect upon to improve counselling skills. While the patients consent or permission for this is taken by the health assistant, it is important to ask whether you can switch the recorder on before every session. If the patient is not comfortable even though they are told they cannot be identified on the tape, or is still uneasy, do not force him/her, and turn off the recorder. Make sure recordings are of good quality by keeping the recorder mid-way between you and the patient; holding the session in a quiet place; shutting doors and windows; asking other people nearby to speak softly; and pausing the recording until a disturbance such as someone entering the room or a telephone ringing has passed.

Module 8: Home Visits

Congratulations on completing Module 7 on Recording Counselling Sessions! You now understand the scope and necessity to record the sessions.

In this module you will learn why home visits may be necessary and how to conduct them.

Home visits

If patients are unable to attend sessions in the clinic, you can conduct them in the patient’s home or some other place where they are happy for the session to take place, if the patient is willing.

Watch the video lecture in the activities section below to learn the guidelines for home visits.

8: Home VisitsCongratulations on completing Module 7 on Recording Counselling Sessions! You now understand the scope and necessity to record the sessions. In this module you will learn why home visits may be necessary and how to conduct them. Home visits If patients are unable to attend sessions in the clinic, you can conduct them in the patients home or some other place where they are happy for the session to take place, if the patient is willing. Watch the video lecture in the activities section below to learn the guidelines for home visits.

Module 9: Telephone Counselling

Congratulations on completing Module 8 on Home Visits! You now understand the usefulness, scope and conditions for home visits in counselling.

In this module you will learn why and how to use the telephone during counselling sessions.

Telephone Counselling

Not all patients have a personal phone, but if they do, it is important to get permission to call him/her in your first session itself.

Watch the video lectures in the activities section below to learn how the telephone can be used in counselling, the advantages and disadvantages, and how to conduct a session on the telephone.

SUMMARY

Prepare yourself for the counselling session with a checklist of things you will need before the patient arrives

Greet the patient warmly and introduce yourself

Tell the patient that confidentiality will be maintained

Discuss the options of home sessions, clinic sessions and telephone sessions and identify the most convenient one

Follow the guidelines suggested for home visits

The telephone can help check in with patients between sessions and after treatment ends, to remind patients of appointments and conduct sessions

9: Telephone CounsellingCongratulations on completing Module 8 on Home Visits! You now understand the usefulness, scope and conditions for home visits in counselling. In this module you will learn why and how to use the telephone during counselling sessions. Telephone Counselling Not all patients have a personal phone, but if they do, it is important to get permission to call him/her in your first session itself. Watch the video lectures in the activities section below to learn how the telephone can be used in counselling, the advantages and disadvantages, and how to conduct a session on the telephone. SUMMARY Prepare yourself for the counselling session with a checklist of things you will need before the patient arrives Greet the patient warmly and introduce yourself Tell the patient that confidentiality will be maintained Discuss the options of home sessions, clinic sessions and telephone sessions and identify the most convenient one Follow the guidelines suggested for home visits The telephone can help check in with patients between sessions and after treatment ends, to remind patients of appointments and conduct sessions

Module 10: Suicide Risk Assessment

Congratulations on completing Module 9 on Telephone Counselling! You now know the usefulness, advantages and disadvantages of using the telephone in counselling, and how to conduct a session with it.

In this module you will learn how to conduct a suicide risk assessment, how to identify risk and protective factors, and plan a course of action.

10: Suicide Risk AssessmentCongratulations on completing Module 9 on Telephone Counselling! You now know the usefulness, advantages and disadvantages of using the telephone in counselling, and how to conduct a session with it. In this module you will learn how to conduct a suicide risk assessment, how to identify risk and protective factors, and plan a course of action.

10.1 Understanding suicide risk assessment

Patients may sometimes be at risk of harming themselves during difficult times, and see death as the only solution. It is always important to ask if our patient has these thoughts so we can offer help. Suicide risk assessment is an essential part of our work and must be integrated into all counselling sessions.

Watch the video lecture in the activities section below to learn the false beliefs and facts about suicide and the steps for risk assessment.

derstanding suicide risk assessmentPatients may sometimes be at risk of harming themselves during difficult times, and see death as the only solution. It is always important to ask if our patient has these thoughts so we can offer help. Suicide risk assessment is an essential part of our work and must be integrated into all counselling sessions. Watch the video lecture in the activities section below to learn the false beliefs and facts about suicide and the steps for risk assessment.

10.2 Risk & protective factors

Risk factors are those that increase the risk of suicide attempts or death by suicide. Protective factors are those linked to a decreased risk of suicide. Knowing these can provide a guide for which risk factors can be reduced, and which protective factors can be strengthened through counselling.

Watch the video lecture in the activities section below to learn about suicide risk factors and protective factors.

sk &amp; protective factorsRisk factors are those that increase the risk of suicide attempts or death by suicide. Protective factors are those linked to a decreased risk of suicide. Knowing these can provide a guide for which risk factors can be reduced, and which protective factors can be strengthened through counselling. Watch the video lecture in the activities section below to learn about suicide risk factors and protective factors.

Module 11: Managing Patients With High Suicide Risk

Congratulations on completing Module 10 on Managing Suicide Risk! You now know how to conduct a suicide risk assessment, identify risk and protective factors, to assess suicide risk and plan action.

In this module you will learn how to manage patients with high suicide risk, and what steps to take in such situations.

Suicide risk is one of the situations where we are not required to maintain confidentiality. Watch the video lecture in the activities section below to learn step-by-step how to manage patients who have a high suicide risk

11: Managing Patients With High Suicide RiskCongratulations on completing Module 10 on Managing Suicide Risk! You now know how to conduct a suicide risk assessment, identify risk and protective factors, to assess suicide risk and plan action. In this module you will learn how to manage patients with high suicide risk, and what steps to take in such situations. Suicide risk is one of the situations where we are not required to maintain confidentiality. Watch the video lecture in the activities section below to learn step-by-step how to manage patients who have a high suicide risk

Module 12: Counselling Patients With Suicide Risk

Congratulations on completing Module 11 on Managing Patients with High Suicide Risk! You now know the various steps to be taken after identifying a patient with a high risk of suicide.

In this module you will learn how to counsel a patient who is at risk of suicide.

12: Counselling Patients With Suicide RiskCongratulations on completing Module 11 on Managing Patients with High Suicide Risk! You now know the various steps to be taken after identifying a patient with a high risk of suicide. In this module you will learn how to counsel a patient who is at risk of suicide.

12.1 Understanding the process

Watch the video lecture in the activities section below to learn the general guides to follow when counselling a patient at a risk of suicide. Do not let the patient leave the interview room until you are satisfied that you have taken necessary safety measures.

derstanding the processWatch the video lecture in the activities section below to learn the general guides to follow when counselling a patient at a risk of suicide. Do not let the patient leave the interview room until you are satisfied that you have taken necessary safety measures.

Module 13: Managing Personal Crises

Congratulations on completing Module 12 on Counselling Patients at Risk of Suicide! You now understand the counselling process for a person at risk of suicide and how to record it.

In this module you will learn the various kinds of personal crises - or emergencies - that might affect a patient, what steps can be taken to manage a patient dealing with these and how to help a patient in grief.

13: Managing Personal CrisesCongratulations on completing Module 12 on Counselling Patients at Risk of Suicide! You now understand the counselling process for a person at risk of suicide and how to record it. In this module you will learn the various kinds of personal crises - or emergencies - that might affect a patient, what steps can be taken to manage a patient dealing with these and how to help a patient in grief.

13.1 Kinds of personal crises

It may happen that a patient you are counselling may have been part of or seen a potentially stressful extreme event. Watch the video lecture in the activities section below to learn what these could be, what the patients’ reactions to them usually are, and what your goals should be to manage them.

nds of personal crisesIt may happen that a patient you are counselling may have been part of or seen a potentially stressful extreme event. Watch the video lecture in the activities section below to learn what these could be, what the patients reactions to them usually are, and what your goals should be to manage them.

Module 14: Dealing With Domestic Violence

Congratulations on completing Module 13 on Managing a Patient with Personal Crises! You now know the various kinds of personal crises that might affect a patient, the steps to be taken to manage the patient, and how to help a patient in grief.

In this module you will learn about domestic violence, how to bring up the topic with patients and how to help a victim.

14: Dealing With Domestic ViolenceCongratulations on completing Module 13 on Managing a Patient with Personal Crises! You now know the various kinds of personal crises that might affect a patient, the steps to be taken to manage the patient, and how to help a patient in grief. In this module you will learn about domestic violence, how to bring up the topic with patients and how to help a victim.

14.2 Asking about domestic violence

Domestic violence is a sensitive issue, so one could start by asking about the patient’s relationship, using simple questions such as ‘How are things at home?’ or ‘What is your relationship with your husband/wife like?’ If they say things are not good, then ask for further details of the issue and what happens during the fight. Remember to ask if the patient or spouse is violent during such quarrels/arguments. If it is denied strongly, do not push too hard as it could lead to an increase in violence.

The script shows how to handle a conversation about domestic violence.

Wife (to husband)

You are telling him about your drinking, but you are not telling him that you hit me when you get drunk!

Patient

(Silence)

Counsellor

You are not saying anything Mr D’Silva. Would you like to reply to what your wife has said?

Patient

What is there to say? I do not like to talk about such private things here

Counsellor

I do understand that, Mr D’Silva. But this does sound like one of the effects of drinking, and we are trying to get a list here of some of these effects, so we can get clear what it is that you want to change. So tell me, Mr D’Silva, is this something that you agree happens, and that you’d like to change?

Patient

Yes, it does happen. And yes, I would like to not get so angry. But she makes me angry by being so argumentative!

Counsellor

OK, I can hear that: you feel that she gets argumentative when you come home drunk, you get very angry, and sometimes you then hit her – is that right?

Patient (quietly)

Yes

Counsellor

And is that how you see it, Mrs D’Silva?

Wife

No, I do not get argumentative – I am angry too, as he comes home drunk, he has spent lots of our money, and I am worried that we will not have enough to pay the bills. So of course I get angry and scold him. It is him that is wrong for hitting me! Instead he should not go drinking and spending all of our money!

Counsellor

OK, Mr and Mrs D’Silva – I can hear clearly what both of you are saying, and I can see that each of you is seeing things from your point of view – and from that point of view, you feel justified in saying and doing the things that you do. Can I please make a suggestion here?

(They nod)

This is a problem that we can sort out! I am sure that I can help you to stop having these arguments which turn into violence. But a problem like this can also be difficult, so I’d like us to start on something that is a bit easier to deal with – if we deal with easier problems to start with, we get success faster, and then we can all feel confident that we can make the changes we need to. Is that OK – we work on another area first and come back to this in a while? And if we manage to help you, Mr D’Silva, to stop getting drunk and therefore stop coming home drunk, then your wife will not feel the need to scold you and then you won’t get so angry – so maybe that will help, even before we start to work on that problem!

Patient and wife

OK – we are happy to come back to this later

Counsellor

But one final thing before we move to another area – sometimes when things like this are said in counselling (and Mr D’Silva – you are not the first person that I have seen where someone, when they are drunk, becomes violent to his wife), the husband brings it up again with their wife after the session, and that also leads to anger and more violence. So can I ask you both to promise me that you will not bring up at home the fact that this issue has been raised here?

king about domestic violenceDomestic violence is a sensitive issue, so one could start by asking about the patients relationship, using simple questions such as How are things at home? or What is your relationship with your husband/wife like? If they say things are not good, then ask for further details of the issue and what happens during the fight. Remember to ask if the patient or spouse is violent during such quarrels/arguments. If it is denied strongly, do not push too hard as it could lead to an increase in violence. The script shows how to handle a conversation about domestic violence. Wife (to husband) You are telling him about your drinking, but you are not telling him that you hit me when you get drunk! Patient (Silence) Counsellor You are not saying anything Mr DSilva. Would you like to reply to what your wife has said? Patient What is there to say? I do not like to talk about such private things here Counsellor I do understand that, Mr DSilva. But this does sound like one of the effects of drinking, and we are trying to get a list here of some of these effects, so we can get clear what it is that you want to change. So tell me, Mr DSilva, is this something that you agree happens, and that youd like to change? Patient Yes, it does happen. And yes, I would like to not get so angry. But she makes me angry by being so argumentative! Counsellor OK, I can hear that: you feel that she gets argumentative when you come home drunk, you get very angry, and sometimes you then hit her is that right? Patient (quietly) Yes Counsellor And is that how you see it, Mrs DSilva? Wife No, I do not get argumentative I am angry too, as he comes home drunk, he has spent lots of our money, and I am worried that we will not have enough to pay the bills. So of course I get angry and scold him. It is him that is wrong for hitting me! Instead he should not go drinking and spending all of our money! Counsellor OK, Mr and Mrs DSilva I can hear clearly what both of you are saying, and I can see that each of you is seeing things from your point of view and from that point of view, you feel justified in saying and doing the things that you do. Can I please make a suggestion here? (They nod) This is a problem that we can sort out! I am sure that I can help you to stop having these arguments which turn into violence. But a problem like this can also be difficult, so Id like us to start on something that is a bit easier to deal with if we deal with easier problems to start with, we get success faster, and then we can all feel confident that we can make the changes we need to. Is that OK we work on another area first and come back to this in a while? And if we manage to help you, Mr DSilva, to stop getting drunk and therefore stop coming home drunk, then your wife will not feel the need to scold you and then you wont get so angry so maybe that will help, even before we start to work on that problem! Patient and wife OK we are happy to come back to this later Counsellor But one final thing before we move to another area sometimes when things like this are said in counselling (and Mr DSilva you are not the first person that I have seen where someone, when they are drunk, becomes violent to his wife), the husband brings it up again with their wife after the session, and that also leads to anger and more violence. So can I ask you both to promise me that you will not bring up at home the fact that this issue has been raised here?

Respond positively to patients who are in bereavement - grieving from the loss of a close relative or friend

People who experience domestic violence or who are themselves violent need help to deal with this. Speak about the violence in a non-judgemental manner and guide the patient to the help that he/she feels is most appropriate

lping a patient to stop being violentWatch the video lecture in the activities section below to learn how to help a patient to stop being violent. The warning signs a patient can look out for include: Typical situations such as arguments over money Physical signs such as finger pointing, pacing, etc Emotional signs such as feeling trapped, challenged, etc Mental signs including negative thoughts about the spouse or family member SUMMARY It is essential to assess a patient for the presence of suicide risk If risk is present, it is important to ascertain the degree of risk since this will guide you about the appropriate course of action If you judge any patient to have high suicide risk, discuss this with your supervisor without delay Take urgent action for any patient at a high risk of suicide Crisis counselling may be needed for patients facing acute personal crises Respond positively to patients who are in bereavement - grieving from the loss of a close relative or friend People who experience domestic violence or who are themselves violent need help to deal with this. Speak about the violence in a non-judgemental manner and guide the patient to the help that he/she feels is most appropriate

Module 15: Involving Significant Others

Congratulations on completing Module 13 on Managing Domestic Violence! You now know how to ask a patient about domestic violence, how to help a patient who is a victim and how to stop a patient from being violent.

In this module you will learn about including a patient’s significant other (SO) in the counselling process, the challenges and how to solve them

15: Involving Significant OthersCongratulations on completing Module 13 on Managing Domestic Violence! You now know how to ask a patient about domestic violence, how to help a patient who is a victim and how to stop a patient from being violent. In this module you will learn about including a patients significant other (SO) in the counselling process, the challenges and how to solve them

15.3 Case examples

Read pages 46-48 of the manual and observe how the counsellor involves the SO in the counselling process and deals with challenges that come up

SUMMARY

The SO in the patient’s life may add to the mental health problems that the patient faces. They, in turn, may also be negatively affected by these problems

There are several advantages in involving the SO in counselling, both in understanding the patient’s problems better and in identifying and trying out solutions

Be aware of the steps necessary in SO involvement – explaining their role, developing an effective counselling relationship with the SO, getting details of the patient’s problems and addressing the SO’s expectations from the treatment

SO involvement is challenging, and addressing these is important to gain maximum benefit from their involvement

se examplesRead pages 46-48 of the manual and observe how the counsellor involves the SO in the counselling process and deals with challenges that come upSUMMARY The SO in the patients life may add to the mental health problems that the patient faces. They, in turn, may also be negatively affected by these problems There are several advantages in involving the SO in counselling, both in understanding the patients problems better and in identifying and trying out solutions Be aware of the steps necessary in SO involvement explaining their role, developing an effective counselling relationship with the SO, getting details of the patients problems and addressing the SOs expectations from the treatment SO involvement is challenging, and addressing these is important to gain maximum benefit from their involvement

Module 16: Becoming A More Effective Counsellor

Congratulations on completing Module 15 on Involving a Significant Other! You now know how to involve a significant other (SO) in the counselling process, the challenges and how to overcome them.

In this module you will learn how to become a more effective counsellor through supervision.

16: Becoming A More Effective CounsellorCongratulations on completing Module 15 on Involving a Significant Other! You now know how to involve a significant other (SO) in the counselling process, the challenges and how to overcome them. In this module you will learn how to become a more effective counsellor through supervision.

16.4 Referrals to supervisors

When patients need help over what you provide, you can refer them to a community agency or to your supervisor for more specialised counselling or medical treatment

Whom to refer:

Patients at high risk of suicide

Patients with mental health problems other than depression or harmful drinking

Patients we have been counselling who worsen or do not get better in spite of attending sessions

How to refer:

For urgent referrals, telephone your clinical supervisor and get guidance on the next steps

When it is not urgent, discuss the issue with your clinical supervisor at the next supervision session

Inform the patient (and SO when appropriate) of the need for referral and the process involved

Record the referral in your clinical notes, including the reason and result after it is complete

Referring to community agencies

Whom to refer

Patients with very difficult social problems can benefit from referral to community agencies.

How to refer

Keep a list of local agencies and welfare schemes with you

Call the agencies or send a referral letter when referring a patient

Keep copies of related forms and help the patient when needed

During follow-up, ask the patient about the results of the referral so further action may be taken if necessary

ferrals to supervisorsWhen patients need help over what you provide, you can refer them to a community agency or to your supervisor for more specialised counselling or medical treatment Whom to refer: Patients at high risk of suicide Patients with mental health problems other than depression or harmful drinking Patients we have been counselling who worsen or do not get better in spite of attending sessions How to refer: For urgent referrals, telephone your clinical supervisor and get guidance on the next steps When it is not urgent, discuss the issue with your clinical supervisor at the next supervision session Inform the patient (and SO when appropriate) of the need for referral and the process involved Record the referral in your clinical notes, including the reason and result after it is complete Referring to community agencies Whom to refer Patients with very difficult social problems can benefit from referral to community agencies. How to refer Keep a list of local agencies and welfare schemes with you Call the agencies or send a referral letter when referring a patient Keep copies of related forms and help the patient when needed During follow-up, ask the patient about the results of the referral so further action may be taken if necessary

Module 17: Keeping In Touch With Patients

Congratulations on completing Module 16 on Becoming A More Effective Counsellor! You now know what supervision is all about, how to go about peer group supervision and individual supervision, and how and when to refer patients to supervisors.

In this module you will learn about ending treatment, keeping in touch with patients after the sessions have been completed, keeping records, maintaining boundaries with patients and dealing with burn-out.

17: Keeping In Touch With PatientsCongratulations on completing Module 16 on Becoming A More Effective Counsellor! You now know what supervision is all about, how to go about peer group supervision and individual supervision, and how and when to refer patients to supervisors. In this module you will learn about ending treatment, keeping in touch with patients after the sessions have been completed, keeping records, maintaining boundaries with patients and dealing with burn-out.

17.1 Keeping in touch and encouraging treatment completion

Treatment involves the patient:

Attending sessions regularly as scheduled

Performing tasks or exercises between sessions as planned with the counsellor

Problems that come up due to non-completion of treatment are not enough improvement and a risk of relapse. Patients are most likely to complete the treatment if it is within easy reach, acceptable or easy-to-follow and effective.

To ensure patients receive the complete treatment:

Choose a setting/format, or mix of them, that the patient is comfortable with

Opt for home visits as the preferred mode of treatment delivery if consent is given

Fix appointments to suit the patient’s convenience and be flexible, if he/she is not willing for home visits

Use other locations for sessions that are convenient

Arrange visits when the patient is due to visit the PHC to meet the doctor

Maintain a diary to schedule appointments

Maintain a patient register

Remind the patient before home visits or appointments and reschedule when necessary

Send a text message if the patient does not answer the phone

Visit the patient at home if he/she has given consent if unavailable on the phone

Involve the SO to come with the patient to sessions, take care of people the patient cares for (such as children and old parents) or remind patients of appointments

Continue the treatment after a long break

eping in touch and encouraging treatment completionTreatment involves the patient: Attending sessions regularly as scheduled Performing tasks or exercises between sessions as planned with the counsellor Problems that come up due to non-completion of treatment are not enough improvement and a risk of relapse. Patients are most likely to complete the treatment if it is within easy reach, acceptable or easy-to-follow and effective. To ensure patients receive the complete treatment: Choose a setting/format, or mix of them, that the patient is comfortable with Opt for home visits as the preferred mode of treatment delivery if consent is given Fix appointments to suit the patients convenience and be flexible, if he/she is not willing for home visits Use other locations for sessions that are convenient Arrange visits when the patient is due to visit the PHC to meet the doctor Maintain a diary to schedule appointments Maintain a patient register Remind the patient before home visits or appointments and reschedule when necessary Send a text message if the patient does not answer the phone Visit the patient at home if he/she has given consent if unavailable on the phone Involve the SO to come with the patient to sessions, take care of people the patient cares for (such as children and old parents) or remind patients of appointments Continue the treatment after a long break

17.2 Barriers to treatment completion and solutions

Lack of time: Patients are daily wage earners and do not have the time to come back to meet the counsellor, or have caregiving responsibilities and cannot leave home

Offer home visits as the preferred option and fix a time convenient for the patient.

Explain that an appointment is possible in the afternoon too and he/she can come at a convenient time before the clinic closes. Plan follow-up sessions according to the patient’s convenience.

Conduct telephone sessions.

The patient forgets the date of the appointment

Write the date clearly in the appointment card and relevant section of the patient booklet. Tell the patient to come on another convenient date if they cannot make it for some reason.

Call before the appointment date to remind the patient.

Cultural/psychological barriers

The patient feels their health concerns and social problems are not being taken care of

Ask about the other physical health problems the patient is suffering from to make the patient feel you are concerned about all health aspects.

Be sensitive to his/her social problems, listen to them, advise him/her about what to do, write referral letters and follow up to improve engagement

Patients drop out when they start feeling better

During the first session, clearly explain the importance of following through with treatments even after the patient starts feeling better.

Patients do not feel they have a ‘mental health problem’

NEVER use the term ‘mental’ because it is linked with shame and fear. Use ‘stress or tension related’ as it is something the patients can identify with easily and do not feel shame attached to.

rriers to treatment completion and solutions Barriers To Treatment Completion Possible Solutions Practical barriers Lack of time: Patients are daily wage earners and do not have the time to come back to meet the counsellor, or have caregiving responsibilities and cannot leave home Offer home visits as the preferred option and fix a time convenient for the patient. Explain that an appointment is possible in the afternoon too and he/she can come at a convenient time before the clinic closes. Plan follow-up sessions according to the patients convenience. Conduct telephone sessions. The patient forgets the date of the appointment Write the date clearly in the appointment card and relevant section of the patient booklet. Tell the patient to come on another convenient date if they cannot make it for some reason. Call before the appointment date to remind the patient. Cultural/psychological barriers The patient feels their health concerns and social problems are not being taken care of Ask about the other physical health problems the patient is suffering from to make the patient feel you are concerned about all health aspects. Be sensitive to his/her social problems, listen to them, advise him/her about what to do, write referral letters and follow up to improve engagement Patients drop out when they start feeling better During the first session, clearly explain the importance of following through with treatments even after the patient starts feeling better. Patients do not feel they have a mental health problem NEVER use the term mental because it is linked with shame and fear. Use stress or tension related as it is something the patients can identify with easily and do not feel shame attached to.

17.4 Keeping records

Use the Clinical Case Record for depression and alcohol problems to record necessary information. Documentation helps to keep track of the clinical process for each patient in the programme and make supervision effective.

Remember to fill in records as soon as the session is over and definitely by the end of the day; store the records in a safe and secure place; and go over them before your session with the patient.

eping recordsUse the Clinical Case Record for depression and alcohol problems to record necessary information. Documentation helps to keep track of the clinical process for each patient in the programme and make supervision effective. The records you need to fill in at each session are: Clinical record form for depression and alcohol problems Patient registers for depression and alcohol problems Appointment diary End of treatment form for depression or alcohol problems, when the patient is discharged Remember to fill in records as soon as the session is over and definitely by the end of the day; store the records in a safe and secure place; and go over them before your session with the patient.

17.5 Maintaining boundaries

Boundaries are limits within which the counselling relationship functions. It is your responsibility to maintain them.

Why do we need boundaries in counselling?

In a counselling relationship, there is a risk that the relationship may go beyond the professional one. Boundaries define counselling as a professional relationship between the counsellor and patient that is different from a conversation with a friend or family member. They help to ensure the safety of the counsellor and patient.

Types of boundaries to maintain:

Sessions in places other than the clinic or planned home visit: Focus on discussing items on the agenda. Discuss how the patient would like you to respond if you meet the patient by accident in public.

Receiving telephone calls: Give the patient your official number and clearly state the best times to call. But assure the patient that he/she may call in case of an emergency or personal crisis.

Physical contact: In general, use other ways of showing care such as bending forward and softening one’s speaking tone.

Exchanging gifts: Explain to the patient that because of the professional nature of the relationship, it is standard practice and applies to all patients that it is not appropriate to accept gifts. Ask your supervisor if you are uncertain about receiving a gift.

Dealing with personal questions: The patient has the right to know all information related to the professional qualities of the counsellor such as training and experience. But any personal questions can be managed by explaining that they are not relevant.

Counselling patients of the opposite sex: During home visits, take along a member of the same sex as the patient, such as the health assistant. You can make sure there are other members of the family at home when you plan the visit.

intaining boundariesBoundaries are limits within which the counselling relationship functions. It is your responsibility to maintain them. Why do we need boundaries in counselling? In a counselling relationship, there is a risk that the relationship may go beyond the professional one. Boundaries define counselling as a professional relationship between the counsellor and patient that is different from a conversation with a friend or family member. They help to ensure the safety of the counsellor and patient. Types of boundaries to maintain: Sessions in places other than the clinic or planned home visit: Focus on discussing items on the agenda. Discuss how the patient would like you to respond if you meet the patient by accident in public. Receiving telephone calls: Give the patient your official number and clearly state the best times to call. But assure the patient that he/she may call in case of an emergency or personal crisis. Physical contact: In general, use other ways of showing care such as bending forward and softening ones speaking tone. Exchanging gifts: Explain to the patient that because of the professional nature of the relationship, it is standard practice and applies to all patients that it is not appropriate to accept gifts. Ask your supervisor if you are uncertain about receiving a gift. Time-related boundaries: Setting time limits helps keep sessions in focus and allows for maximum results. Dealing with personal questions: The patient has the right to know all information related to the professional qualities of the counsellor such as training and experience. But any personal questions can be managed by explaining that they are not relevant. Counselling patients of the opposite sex: During home visits, take along a member of the same sex as the patient, such as the health assistant. You can make sure there are other members of the family at home when you plan the visit.

17.6 Dealing with burn-out

Watch the video lecture in the activities section below to learn what burn-out is and how to deal with it.

SUMMARY

Regular supervision by a clinical supervisor or peers, individually or in a group, will support you and ensure good quality counselling

Sometimes it is necessary to refer patients to supervisors, especially those with high suicide risk or who don’t improve with counselling. Patients in difficult social situations can be referred to community agencies

Ensuring that patients complete treatment helps receive the best results of counselling. Telephone counselling, with prior consent, can be considered for those who are unable to follow up for subsequent sessions at home or in the clinic

Maintaining boundaries helps ensure that the professional nature of the relationship is maintained

Be aware of the risk of burn out and take precautions to prevent it

aling with burn-outWatch the video lecture in the activities section below to learn what burn-out is and how to deal with it. SUMMARY Regular supervision by a clinical supervisor or peers, individually or in a group, will support you and ensure good quality counselling Sometimes it is necessary to refer patients to supervisors, especially those with high suicide risk or who dont improve with counselling. Patients in difficult social situations can be referred to community agencies Ensuring that patients complete treatment helps receive the best results of counselling. Telephone counselling, with prior consent, can be considered for those who are unable to follow up for subsequent sessions at home or in the clinic Documentation helps keep track of the clinical process and makes supervision effective Maintaining boundaries helps ensure that the professional nature of the relationship is maintained Be aware of the risk of burn out and take precautions to prevent it

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